Ban Pla Aow TongTom (Artificial)/ บ้านปลา อ่าวท้องตม - Gulf of Thailand

When we talk about easy, relaxed wreck diving in the Gulf, Ban Pla Aow TongTom really stands out. It's an artificial reef, originally a fishing boat scuttled to create new habitat, and it’s done its job beautifully. The wreck itself sits shallow, only 10 metres down, making it perfect for newer divers or those who just want a long, leisurely bottom time. We love drifting over the main deck, spotting the resident batfish that school so densely they almost obscure the superstructure. Look closely at the hull and you’ll find nudibranchs inching their way across the metal, and we’ve often seen small lionfish tucked into crevices, waiting for an easy meal. It’s not a huge wreck, but there’s enough to explore for a good 40 minutes, especially if you take your time to peer into the cabins. The visibility here can be decent, especially in the calmer months from May to September, though it’s never going to be Red Sea clear. We’d suggest going early in the morning before any boat traffic stirs things up too much. It’s a gentle site, a truly pleasant dive that reminds you how quickly nature reclaims what man leaves behind.

Location
Gulf of Thailand, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
10.212300, 99.203900
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m
Difficulty
Beginner

Wreck History - Ban Pla Aow TongTom (Artificial)/ บ้านปลา อ่าวท้องตม

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
scuttled

Known locally as the "Fish House," the Ban Pla Aow TongTom is not a historic shipwreck but a purpose-built artificial reef. Deliberately sunk in the calm, clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand, its primary mission is to foster marine biodiversity and create a new habitat for aquatic life. The name itself translates to "Fish House in Tong Tom Bay," a perfect description of its function as a bustling underwater apartment complex for a myriad of sea creatures.

Resting at a shallow depth of just 10 meters, this site is a paradise for novice divers, underwater photographers, and anyone looking for a long, relaxed dive. The structure has been incredibly successful in its mission, now teeming with schools of snapper, fusiliers, and batfish. Look closer in the nooks and crannies to find moray eels, scorpionfish, and a variety of colorful nudibranchs. Its easy accessibility and abundant life make it a highlight for divers exploring the coastal waters near Chumphon.

Marine Protected Area: Mu ko Chumphon

Best Time to Dive in Gulf of Thailand

The warmest water temperatures in Gulf of Thailand occur in January, averaging 28.2°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.2°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • February: 28.2°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • March: 28.2°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • April: 28.2°C (air: 29.1°C)
  • May: 28.2°C (air: 29.1°C)
  • June: 28.2°C (air: 28.6°C)
  • July: 28.2°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • August: 28.2°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • September: 28.2°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • October: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • November: 28.2°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • December: 28.2°C (air: 26.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Gulf of Thailand

Nearest Dive Centres to Ban Pla Aow TongTom (Artificial)/ บ้านปลา อ่าวท้องตม

Marine Life in Gulf of Thailand

Home to 167 recorded species including 126 reef fish, 18 hard corals, 7 sharks & rays, 6 seagrass & algae, 2 sea cucumbers, 2 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Ban Pla Aow TongTom (Artificial)/ บ้านปลา อ่าวท้องตม

Based on average water temperature of 28.2°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories